Expanded Functions Sealant Test Exam Questions And Answers

What is a pit and fissure sealant? - ANS A resin material that is introduced into the occlusal pit and fissures of caries- susceptible teeth for the purpose of acting as a physical protective barrier against caries- producing bacteria. What is the purpose to pit and fissure sealants? - ANS physical protective barrier against caries- producing bacteria Why are pits and fissures more susceptible to caries than the smooth tooth surface? - ANS Fluoride is not nearly as effective in the pits and fissures where approximately 50.85% of decay is found Describe the three principle pit and fissure configurations, indicating which type is most susceptible to caries. - ANS U Type (wider opening) V Type (narrow opening) I Type (Bottleneck shape)- most susceptible How effective are sealants? - ANS 99% Retention- rates vary greatly and, to some extent, are impacted by the teeth on which they have been placed. Which teeth have high retention rates? - ANS Retention rates are higher on newly erupted teeth rather than mature enamel, on first molars rather than second molars, on mandibular rather than maxillary teeth. No Difference in retention rates between light- cured and self cured material has been documented. Clinical studies show that the majority of sealant failures are due to operators techniques; therefor, selans are extremely technique sensitive When are sealants indicated for placement? - ANS A deep fissure, fossa, or pit is present, especially if it catches the tip of the explorer (for example occlusal pits and fissures, buccal pits of mandibular molars, lingual pits of maxillary incisors). When are sealants contraindicated for placement? - ANS Patient behavior does not permit use of adequate dry field (isolation) techniques throughout the procedure. There is an open occlusal carious lesion Caries, particularly proximal lesions, exist on other surfaces of the same tooth (radiographs must be current). A large occlusal restoration is already present. What factors should be considered for possible sealant placement? - ANS Well isolated from another fossa with a restoration The area selected is confined to a fully erupted fossa, even though the distal fossa is impossible to seal due to inadequate eruption An intact occlusal surface is present where the contralateral tooth surface is carious or restored, as teeth on opposite sides of the mouth are usually equally as prone to caries There is an incipient lesion (Early developing caries) in the pit and fissure; this decision would be a matter of professional judgement By what means does the sealant attach to the tooth? - ANS 1. Sealants must form a strong mechanical bond with the enamel surface in order for the resin to be effectively retained 2. In its natural state, an enamel surface that has been cleaned but not otherwise treated, will- not allow penetration of the sealant resin. Instead, the resin will just spread over the enamel surface How does the acid etch increase the bonding ability of the sealant material? - ANS Acid etch increases the bonding ability to form tags within the enamel prism which help adhere to the tooth Etching causes microscope holes What are two types of contamination that can interfere with retention and affect the outcome of the sealant? - ANS Saliva and interaction of the phosphoric acid conditioner and the enamel surface Calcium phosphate particles What type of acid is most commonly used to etch or condition the tooth prior to sealant placement? - ANS Phosphoric acid etchant 30%-70% How long should the acid etch remain on the tooth prior to rinsing? - ANS Acid concentration ranges from 30-70% phosphoric acid, and application times range from 10-60 seconds The most commonly time between 30-60 seconds Describe the clinical appearance of properly etched enamel. - ANS The surface appears dull and frosted compared with the translucent of normal enamel- chalky white What are the initials of the liquid resin that is commonly used as a sealant material? - ANS The most commonly used material is a liquid resin monomer (a plastic) whose base is the reaction product of three parts bisphenol A- glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) and one part methyl methacrylate (MMA). Are sealants more commonly of the filled variety of the unfilled variety? - ANS Sealants are most commonly of the unfilled variety. The resin does not contain glass filled particles What is the difference between filled and unfilled resin? - ANS Filled has glass added for strength Unfilled doesn't not have glass What is the difference and similarities between light cured and chemically cured sealants? - ANS Chemically polymerized sealants are packaged as two component systems: the liquid catalyst which contains benzoyl peroxide and the liquid base, which is an organic amine - 60 seconds to polymerize